Neem Oil

The neem seed kernel is very rich in fatty acids such as oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic and various others.  The oil is very bitter, dark in color and has a strong garlicky smell.  Neem oil is an excellent moisturizing oil that has been used historically for it's proven medicinal properties.  Today scientific research validates the traditional uses of neem in general body and specifically skin care, to treat bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, and to boost the immune system and for a variety of health problems. The use of the oil for cosmetics and medicines has been limited by its strongly bitter taste and strong odor however, when it is used in soap, the odor fades and can be further masked with the use of essential or fragrance oils.

Anecdotal reports of neem date back to the Middle Ages, and accounts of its successful use in treating skin lesions and a variety of ailments come from around the world. On the Indian subcontinent, where the neem tree is known as the "village pharmacy," researchers have found more than 60 medicinal uses.  Today, neem oil is becoming popular outside of India because it has proven itself to be a safe alternative to stronger, less benign treatments.  It can be used to treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, other skin lesions, dandruff, lice, chicken pox, diaper rash, insect bites, hot spots in animals etc. 

The neem oil that we offer is a wildcrafted, unrefined neem oil and is of superior quality. 

• In soap:  use the oil as 30% of the base oil or as a superfatting agent at 5-10%.
• In antibacterial salves: make a balm with beeswax, neem oil and tea tree for cuts and scrapes.
• As a facial for acne control: mix the neem powder with green clay and use as a mask.
• In the bath:  make a strong tea with the leaves or the powder and pour into bath water.
• For athletes foot and other foot problems:  Make a strong tea and soak feet.
• For dandruff and head lice:  Massage the oil into hair and leave for 1 hour.  Shampoo.  Repeat once weekly for 3 weeks or as long as problem persists.
• As a garden pesticide:  Spray infested plant material with a solution of neem oil, aritha powder (as a surfactant) and water.  The insects will avoid sprayed leaves and will die of starvation.